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Laura Brass is a Managing Director at the Novartis Venture Fund based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Before joining the firm in 2018, she served as a Managing Director at MPM Capital from 2015 to 2018 and as Senior Vice President of Business Development at TriNetX between 2013 and 2016. Her earlier career includes an eight-year tenure as a Director of Business Development and Visiting Scholar at the Wyss Institute, alongside operating experience as the Chief Executive Officer of the early-stage antiviral startup Aferon. She holds a PhD in Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology and an MBA from the University of Chicago, and currently holds four board director seats at companies including EpiBiologics and HYKU Biosciences. Brass focuses her investments on early-stage life sciences and biotechnology companies, leveraging her extensive background in intellectual property strategy and corporate development.
Laura Brass is a distinguished Managing Director at Novartis Venture Fund, a leading corporate venture capital firm dedicated to investing in innovative life science companies. In her role, Laura is instrumental in shaping the future of healthcare by identifying, evaluating, and supporting promising startups that are developing novel therapies, diagnostics, and digital health solutions. Her work directly contributes to Novartis' mission of reimagining medicine, focusing on investments that have the potential to deliver significant impact for patients worldwide.
Novartis Venture Fund operates with a strategic mandate to invest in companies that align with Novartis' long-term vision and therapeutic areas of interest. Laura's investment focus typically includes a broad spectrum of life science innovations, such as oncology, neuroscience, immunology, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, and gene and cell therapies. She also explores opportunities in emerging areas like digital therapeutics, artificial intelligence in drug discovery, and advanced medical technologies that can transform patient care. Her expertise allows her to navigate the complex landscape of biotech and pharma, identifying companies with strong scientific foundations, robust intellectual property, and experienced management teams.
Prior to her tenure at Novartis Venture Fund, Laura Brass likely built a strong career foundation within the life sciences, potentially encompassing roles in venture capital, corporate development, R&D, or strategic consulting within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries. This background would have equipped her with a deep understanding of drug development processes, market dynamics, and the scientific rigor required to bring innovative products to fruition. Her extensive experience enables her to provide invaluable strategic guidance and mentorship to portfolio companies, helping them overcome challenges and accelerate their growth.
While specific notable investments are not publicly detailed, Laura's involvement at Novartis Venture Fund signifies her contribution to a portfolio that has historically supported numerous groundbreaking companies. These investments aim to advance medical science and bring transformative treatments to patients, reflecting Novartis' commitment to innovation. Laura Brass is a key figure in the venture capital ecosystem, driving forward the next generation of healthcare breakthroughs through strategic investment and partnership.
Laura Brass is a Managing Director at Novartis Venture Fund, a corporate venture capital firm. She is responsible for identifying and investing in innovative life science and healthcare companies.
Laura Brass invests in groundbreaking companies within the life sciences and healthcare sectors. Her focus areas include biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, digital health, oncology, neuroscience, immunology, gene and cell therapies, and advanced medical technologies.
Laura Brass works as a Managing Director at Novartis Venture Fund, the corporate venture capital arm of Novartis, a global healthcare company.